Victim Location 33472
Total money lost $2,000
Type of a scam Tech Support
While using his computer on July 2, a pop-up message appearing to be from Microsoft advised that the computer had been hacked and that (the victim) should call a specific toll free number for information. He called that number and he was connected to Inilink. Kevin Ao of inilink advised in order to fix the problem he would need access to (the victim’s) computer and would need to provide him a lifetime protection service for a cost of $2000. (The victim) feared loss of his computer and his records and therefore agreed to the purchase. Kevin Ao instructed (the victim) to place his credit card alongside his face and permit a photo to be captured via the computer. (The victim) complied and Kevin Ao initiated a scan and purported correction for (the victim’s) computer. After this payment, Kevin Ao initiated actions on (the victim’s) computer and the computer was returned to the operational status it had prior to the appearance of the Warning pop-up window. (The victim) then received an emailed copy of his new VPN Services contract identified under account ID ***. On July 6, (the victim) also received subsequent email communication from Inilink warning him of the potential for future fraudulent communications directed from a fictitous “Refund Department of Inilink Corp” or other entities advising they were other departments from Inilink. Disturbingly, this email further advised that “You may also receive such Calls from Scammers/Hackers representing themselves as IRS, NSA, FTC, or ANY OTHER Tech Support Company.”. Sometime between July 2 and July 9 ((The Victim) can not accurately remember) there was a falling out between Kevin Ao and (the victim) as (the victim) recalls Kevin Ao calling to solicit additional service contracts; this call resolved with (the victim) hanging up on Kevin Ao. On July 9, (the victim) received a call from James Hunt claiming to be a Senior Supervisor for Inilink. James Hunt advised that after review he believed the initial contract was incorrectly priced and that the cost should have been $1500 rather than $2000. James Hunt advised that he would have Inilink refund the $2000 charge and that (the victim) should send a check for $1500 made payable to Alpha Webcare Solutions LLC. Following instructions, (the victim) did draft the check on July 10, but fortunately failed to mail the check as he was increasingly concerned about this entire process. (The victim) did file a dispute with his credit card company and is presently working towards a resolution with them. In the intervening days since July 10, James Hunt has made frequent calls to (the victim) to try and secure the check payment, but (the victim) has steadfastly advised that no check would be forthcoming until a credit card refund was completed. At some point, James Hunt must also have gained access to (the victim’s) computer as I can see files in (the victim’s) computer with reference to James Hunt. On July 20 I called Inilink to attempt to reverse the contract as their VPN services far exceed those that would be reasonably offered to an 89 year old retiree. I was able to discuss the matter with Justin Baxter of their Billing Dept and advised him of my concern that his company failed to provide due diligence in assessing the customer need and had taken advantage of an advanced senior, he simply advised he had a valid contract and “I know what you are trying to do”.